Anchor Compliance

What a Roof Anchor Inspection Report Should Contain

Part of the guide Roof Anchor and Fall Protection Compliance

The short answer

A defensible report covers every anchor individually: where it is, what it is, how it was inspected and tested, whether it passed, what needs fixing, the certified capacity, the next due dates, and the signature of the qualified person. A one-line "anchors OK" will not hold up.

The contents, item by item

  • Building and roof plan with every anchor labeled
  • Anchor details: ID, location, type, and manufacturer where known
  • Who and when: inspection date, and the qualified person's name and qualifications
  • Method: inspection approach and testing criteria, including any test load and result
  • Result per anchor: pass or fail, with photos of any defect
  • Deficiencies and the required repair, replacement or restriction
  • Capacity statement: at least 5,000 lb in any direction per worker attached
  • Next dates: next annual inspection and certification due date
  • Signature of the qualified person

A sample layout

AnchorLocationTypeMethodResultNext due
A-01North parapet, west endTiebackVisual, proof loadPassInspection 2027-09
A-02North parapet, centerTiebackVisualFail: corrosion at baseRepair, retest
D-01East roof edgeDavit baseVisual, proof loadPassInspection 2027-09

Illustrative only. Your qualified person sets the format and the method.

Red flags in a report

  • No roof plan or anchor IDs
  • No testing method or criteria stated
  • No capacity statement
  • No name, qualifications or signature
  • Failed anchors with no remediation or restriction noted

What to do with it

Get a report that holds up

S&K provides inspection and certification records suitable for ownership, insurers and compliance reviews. Request a quote for an inspection, or start with a free roof compliance survey.

Frequently asked questions

What should a roof anchor inspection report include?

A roof plan, each anchor's ID, location and type, the inspection and testing method, pass or fail per anchor, deficiencies, a capacity statement, next due dates and the qualified person's signature.

Does OSHA specify a report format?

No. But the report is the basis for the owner's written confirmation, so it needs enough detail to support it.

How long should we keep anchor inspection reports?

At least until the next certification, and ideally for the life of the building, so the anchor history stays with it.

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